Download Topographic Maps and Fishing

Top Fishing Secrets
Topographic Maps
Maps for finding roads, trails, parks, and put-ins streamlining fishing trips and as a consequence you’ll spend
less time looking for “where” to fish and more time fighting fish. A topographic map is a secret weapon for outcatching anyone who doesn't have one.
Timothy Kusherets
This representation of a Topographic map, contribution of DeLorme Maps, has everything needed to show
anglers where, when, and how to get to some of the best fishing spots. Trails, Rivers, and Roadways on these
maps often times show access points to water that cannot be found on any other type of map making it an
invaluable tool for any fisherman.
Topographical maps not only identify the lay of the land but some of the best places to fish. Tributaries, bends,
and drop-offs prime holding spots of fish and are clearly marked on most topographic maps. Roads are clearly
marked to identify surface and undeveloped roads that drift-fishing anglers are sure to encounter. Knowing
where to put in boats is a vital element to a good day of fishing. Surface features where there are severe
gradients are those where fish are likely to hold at the bottom of; this information alone makes it worth the
purchase of the map, but there is more. Topographical maps identify launches not listed on any other kind of
map; these launches are manmade and natural and are great tools for scouting out holds when rivers run low or
high. Trails are perfect for bank anglers who want to recon rivers that offer regular runs of fish forecasted by the
region but left to individuals to find the best fishing spots.
© Timothy Kusherets 2004/11
Top Fishing Secrets
The best topographical maps will have designated rivers and lakes located near the front of the booklet with
species of fish that frequent each waterway; this is yet another reason that this type of map is indispensable
when it comes to a recon.
Reputable Topographical Maps will have these elements:
Highways to streamline travel times, shortest distances between points, capable of fishing multiple systems on
a single trip.
Back-roads show the best access points to water whether fishing fresh or saltwater systems.
Trails for hiking to the water where most anglers and boaters will not be able to access diminishing fishing
competition.
Borders (Counties, Regions, and Territories) will be clearly marked so anglers can verify fishing regulations
that will invariably where borders are concerned.
Rivers are clearly marked. Cross-reference them with roadways, trails, highways, and city streets to find the best fishing spots making access
points to water easy to find.
Lakes are important to consider when fishing tributaries that feed into and out of them. Topographic maps will
identify boat launches and parallel roadways for easiest access.
Bays, Coves, and Inlets are essential holds for many species of fish and will be clearly marked on almost all
topographic maps.
Boat Launches are absolutely essential when considering fishing fresh or marine environments. Take time to
verify how large and steep each launch is as some are poised on primitive roads where launching may become
difficult of your boat is too large or wide for the ramp.
Species of Fish are found in some of the best topographical maps making it that much easier not only to find
where you’d like to hit the water but also make it an important tool for designating fishing seasons for each
area.
Parks often times have varied fishing regulations that absolutely must be adhered; in almost all cases game
wardens will not forgive ignorance if you keep fish where waters may only be catch-and-release.
Elevations identify the slope of rivers and the severity of water currents. Observing elevations an angler can
figure out where to start fishing and where to stop. Elevations and topographical maps are the meat and potatoes
of figuring fishing trips and the available species with each season. Each month of the year will have varied
volumes of water largely dependant on precipitation whether it’s snow, ice, or rain.
Terrain Types affect the amount of water flow and soil saturation rates; this translates into water conditions
that could overflow banks causing flooding during spring, fall, and winter months.
© Timothy Kusherets 2004/11
Top Fishing Secrets
DeLorme Topographic Maps
Maps and Charts for every region of United States (Paper and Electronic Publications).
The Atlas of Canada
Instant online maps and charts for the entire country of Canada.
(Very Detailed map and terrain information for all Provinces of Canada.)
British Towns and Villages Network
Maps, Relief Charts, and Topographic Charts of United Kingdom
© Timothy Kusherets 2004/11